This year’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta was a baseball fan’s dream come true. It had everything from a Home Run Derby tiebreaker to the first use of the ABS. It was the kind of weekend that makes for legendary All-Star memories. But it also surprised everyone when an NL MVP-calibre player was ignored by voters. And when offered the home run derby, his response will surprise you.

The player in discussion is Chicago Cubs hitter Seiya Suzuki. Leading the NL with the most RBIs (80) this season, he is looking great at the plate. But when the All-Star game voting results came, he was not in the NL roster.  When he was questioned about his plan for MLB All-Star Week in Atlanta, he replied, “I’m sorry, my plans are full.” All fun and chill.

Soon after, the Home Run Derby invite came. But he declined. When Marquee Sports Network asked for the reason, he replied, “There was an invitation, but even if I did go, I can’t win … Edwin might have been able to.” “So I said no.” And his reply left everyone laughing in the room. But you must be wondering there was no player named Edwin in the list? Well, Edwin wasn’t a player, but his translator (Edwin Stanberry.

But why was it such a shock that he’s not in the All-Star? His numbers will tell! Not only the RBIs, but Suzuki won the NL Player of the Week title for May 19–25. During that time, he hit. 480 (12–25) with 9 runs, three home runs, 10 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.552. Surprisingly, a player with this number is not in the All-Star Game.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta at Truist Park, the Home Run Derby was won by Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. Brent Rooker, Oneil Cruz, Byron Buxton, Matt Olson, James Wood, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Caminero participated in it.

Suzuki’s restraint is wonderful. Not chosen for the All-Star team? No problem. Want to go to the Derby? No thanks. But a season of breaking out? That is being done with amazing accuracy.

All-Star snub? No problem – Suzuki answers with early homer vs. Red Sox

Seiya Suzuki didn’t wait long to say something after not getting picked for his first All-Star Game. Suzuki swung hard at the opening pitch of the second half against Boston starter Lucas Giolito. The ball went for a three-run home run that gave the Cubs a 4–1 win.

That home run was Suzuki’s 26th of the season and brought his total RBIs to 80. It wasn’t just a home run. It was a sign that not being picked for the All-Star Game hasn’t slowed him down. His wRC+ is currently an exceptional 141, which stands at 11th in the NL.

The Red Sox had a hard time getting back into the swing of things following a 10-game winning streak. But Suzuki’s early flash of power set the tone. After his home run, the Cubs’ pitching staff, which included Colin Rea and Daniel Palencia, only gave up one run to Boston. This gave the Cubs a confident win and stopped the Red Sox from building on their momentum going into the break.

Suzuki said in the locker room that his aggressive style and the extra rest he got after the All-Star break helped him stay focused. With every swing, he’s showing that being left off the roster was merely a warm-up pitch that he was ready to hit out of the park.